Gov. candidate Berwick to speak Saturday

Don Berwick, a Democratic candidate from Newton, will be the first candidate for governor to make a formal visit to the North Quabbin area, speaking Saturday morning at Athol Hospital, beginning at 10.

He will share an overview of his policy positions and priorities, including rural health care and then answer questions.

Rep. Denise Andrews, D-Orange, who represents the Orange-Athol area in the state House of Representatives, invited Berwick.

“We have an excellent partnership with Governor Patrick and I want to ensure that we establish an effective partnership with our next governor,” said Andrews of the reason for the forum.

Berwick is one of at least five Democrats eyeing Patrick’s job.

In 1991, he helped found the nonprofit Institute for Healthcare Improvement. In 2010, the president asked him to go to Washington to lead the Medicare and Medicaid programs.